Uttarakhand, India

Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple

Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, India

9.5/10

Best time: May to June, September to October

4 hours

Welcome to Kedarnath, a super special temple nestled high in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand! This ancient *Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple* is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. People also called it *Kedarghattam* long ago. It's been a sacred *pilgrimage* spot for centuries, a journey to remember!

Architecture

Himalaya

History

Nature

Religion

Spiritual

Spirituality

Trek

Trekking

Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple - Photo 1

Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple - Photo 2

Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple - Photo 3

Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple - Photo 4

Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple - Photo 5

Interactive Map

View location

Key Activities

Must do things

Additional Places

In Jaipur

Reviews

Traveller's Ratings and Reviews

Map View

Top Activities in Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple

1
Attend The Morning Aarti Ceremony
2
Capture The Scenic Himalayan Views
3
Meditate In The Serene Surroundings
4
Offer Prayers To Lord Shiva
5
Trek To Vasuki Tal
6
Visit The Bhairavnath Temple

Detailed Information

Best Time to Visit

May to June, September to October

When to visit place on the day

Early Morning

Approximate expense

₹5,000 per person

History

The history of Kedarnath Temple is shrouded in legends and antiquity. It is believed to have been originally built by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata epic, seeking atonement for their sins after the Kurukshetra war. Legend says they were advised by Lord Shiva himself to build a temple here. The current structure is attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century philosopher and saint, who is said to have restored the temple. Over centuries, the temple has faced natural calamities and has been rebuilt several times. The devastating floods of 2013 caused significant damage, but the temple miraculously survived, further strengthening the faith of devotees. The temple's resilience and enduring spiritual significance continue to draw pilgrims from across the globe.

Other Places to Explore in Kedarnath

9/10

Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi

The Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi is a memorial dedicated to the great Hindu philosopher, Adi Shankaracharya, located near the Kedarnath Temple. It marks the spot where he is believed to have attained enlightenment and shed his mortal coil in the 8th century CE. This serene and spiritually charged place offers visitors a chance to reflect and connect with the profound teachings of Advaita Vedanta. The Samadhi is a simple yet powerful structure, often surrounded by snow-capped peaks, creating a breathtaking and contemplative atmosphere. Pilgrims visit to pay homage to the philosopher's legacy and seek inner peace. The location provides panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape, enhancing the spiritual experience.

1 hour

Morning

₹500

Enjoy the Himalayan views

Meditate for inner peace

9/10

Triyuginarayan Temple

Triyuginarayan Temple, nestled in the Rudraprayag district near Kedarnath, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It's famed as the site of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati's divine marriage. The temple's architecture is reminiscent of Kedarnath Temple, with its traditional Garhwali style. A perpetually burning sacred fire, believed to have been kindled during the celestial wedding, is a major draw for pilgrims. The temple complex offers stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped Himalayas and lush greenery, creating a serene and spiritual ambiance. Devotees often collect ash from the sacred fire as a blessed souvenir. The trek to the temple is relatively easy, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors.

3 hours

Morning

₹1,500

Enjoy the panoramic Himalayan views

Explore the temple architecture

8/10

Shri Bhairavnath Mandir

Shri Bhairavnath Mandir, dedicated to Lord Bhairav, is situated a short distance from the Kedarnath Temple. Lord Bhairav is considered the protector of the Kedarnath shrine during the winter months when the main temple is closed due to heavy snowfall. The temple offers panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped Himalayan peaks and the Kedarnath valley. Pilgrims often visit this temple after offering prayers at the Kedarnath Temple. The serene atmosphere and spiritual significance make it a must-visit destination for those seeking peace and blessings. It's a relatively small temple, but its location and the beliefs associated with it add to its importance in the Kedarnath pilgrimage.

1 hour

Morning

₹500

Capture scenic beauty with photograp...

Enjoy panoramic views of Kedarnath v...

7/10

Sonprayag

Sonprayag, situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India, is a significant stopover on the way to Kedarnath. It's located at the confluence of the Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers, lending it a serene and spiritually charged atmosphere. Pilgrims often take a holy dip in the confluence, believing it washes away sins. The town serves as a crucial checkpoint for vehicles heading towards Gaurikund, the starting point of the Kedarnath trek. With basic amenities, it provides accommodation and food options for travelers. The surrounding landscape is breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks and lush greenery, making it a picturesque destination even for those not undertaking the pilgrimage. The weather can be unpredictable, so it's essential to be prepared for cold and rain. Sonprayag is more than just a transit point; it's a place to pause, reflect, and soak in the beauty of the Himalayas.

2 hours

Morning

₹1,500

Enjoy scenic views of Himalayas

Photography of landscape

9/10

Vasuki Tal

Vasuki Tal is a high-altitude glacial lake situated at a staggering height of around 14,200 feet above sea level near Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, India. This pristine lake, surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks, offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. The lake's crystal-clear turquoise waters reflect the surrounding snow-capped mountains, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The trek to Vasuki Tal is considered challenging, attracting adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking tranquility amidst the rugged Himalayan terrain. It's a relatively less crowded destination compared to Kedarnath, providing a more secluded and peaceful experience. The area is known for its diverse flora and fauna, adding to the overall charm of the trek. Remember to acclimatize properly before attempting the trek due to the high altitude.

6 hours

Morning

₹3,000

Camping near Kedarnath

Enjoying the scenic beauty